Seventeen-year-old Luca Georgalli has been playing piano and writing songs for three years, and singing since “literally forever”.

“Performing is the best thing on earth - when I’m on stage I leave my body,” Luca says. “Nothing else feels like that.”

The Wanaka teenager is one to watch: he’s experienced, ambitious, and has been working with experienced New Zealand producers.

The Mount Aspiring College (MAC) student is supported by music teacher Matt Doyle, who has helped Luca meet with managers and people in the music industry. 

Making the top six for the Play it Strange Peace Song Competition earlier this year was a huge win for Luca: it’s a mark of excellence and recognition that Luca said “basically kickstarts young New Zealand musicians in the industry”.

At the recording studio.

“That kind of got me kickstarted and now I'm working with producers around New Zealand,” he said.

After starting off playing in bands Luca discovered he preferred writing his own songs - and things have taken off from there. 

Luca performs in Wanaka and Queenstown with “performing buddy” Lilian Eastwood, a pianist and flautist: “She’s a huge part of my music,” Luca says. 

With collaborator Lilian Eastwood.

“I like to make up little stories in my head; the songs are never really about me.”

He usually starts writing by playing chords on the piano; after figuring out the mood of the song he moves on to lyrics. 

“I’ve been finding my path in my genres: I started liking a lot of Sam Smith and Adele, and then Billie Eilish. At the moment I’m really into pop and RnB.”

For Luca, nothing compares to performing.

Combining school and music is a juggling act, and Luca is more than ready for a move to Wellington next year, where he can focus on music. 

Luca plans to complete a Bachelor in Commercial Music at Massey University. He is looking forward to the course, and the much bigger music scene and the opportunities available in Wellington.

Expect to hear more from this talented young musician.

Find more about Luca on his Instagram page: Luca.Georgalli

PHOTOS: Supplied